Conor McGregor’s comeback at UFC 257 ‘delivers the third most pay-per-view purchases in UFC HISTORY’
Conor McGregor’s latest comeback to UFC 257 “ delivers the third most pay-per-view buys in UFC HISTORY with 1.6 million matches ” to watch the Irishman’s shocking KO defeat to Dustin Poirier
- Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC has reportedly brought in 1.6 million pay-per-view purchases
- The Irishman suffered his first knockout defeat to Dustin Poirier on Fight Island
- UFC 257 brought in 1.2 million purchases in the US and 400,000 internationally
- McGregor wants an immediate rematch against his American rival this year
Conor McGregor confirmed his status as the UFC’s biggest draw, as his return to the sport at UFC 257 reportedly brought in 1.6 million pay-per-view purchases.
The Irishman, 32, made his highly anticipated comeback in a lightweight clash against Dustin Poirier, hoping a victory would serve as a springboard for a run on the title he won in 2016.
However, McGregor fell close to the first hurdle, with Poirier taking revenge on his 2014 defeat to the Notorious, knocking out the former two-weights world champion in the second round.
Conor McGregor’s Disastrous Return to UFC Reportedly Bringing 1.6M Pay-Per-View Purchases
McGregor returned to the octagon to take on rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 on Fight Island
And according to The national newsThe UFC recorded 1.6 million pay-per-view purchases for the Fight Island event, with 1.2 million purchases in the United States and 400,000 internationally.
That figure ranks as the third highest scoring PPV in the history of the sport, and is better than any other event in the past year, including McGregor’s UFC 246 bout with Donald Cerrone last January.
McGregor now occupies the top three pay-per-view spots in UFC history, with his grudge against Khabib Nurmagomedov topping the list with 2.4 million buys, while his rematch with Nate Diaz got 1.65 million buys.
However, Poirier handed McGregor his first knockout defeat to shock the lightweight division
UFC 257’s numbers ranks as the third highest pay-per-view in UFC history
UFC supremo Dana White had expected McGregor’s latest escapade to do well, hoping that the mind-boggling numbers for UFC 257 would lure the all-conquering Nurmagomedov out of retirement.
But McGregor’s defeat dealt a huge blow to plans for a rematch of the bitter October 2018 match between the Irishman and the Dagestani, with Nurmagomedov telling White that he is ‘so many levels above’ his lightweight rivals.
The Irishman had hoped for a consistent series of fights that would move forward, having been seriously inactive since winning the lightweight belt in 2016.
However, last weekend’s defeat has given McGregor a medical suspension, meaning he may have to wait until the summer before stepping back into the octagon.
The 32-year-old wants to take on Poirier for a third time in an attempt to reconcile their rivalry in which they win each other, while a trilogy battle with Nate Diaz is possible.
“It’s heartbreaking, it’s hard to take, the highest highs and the lowest lows,” McGregor said after the fight. ‘My leg is completely dead – although I felt like I was checking it, I was seriously compromised. It’s like an American football in my suit right now.
Dustin had a great fight. I felt good on the second lap, felt better than him in the clinch, but too little too late – my leg was affected and I couldn’t adjust.
Fair play to Dustin, I’m happy for him. I am happy to compete in these challenging times. I don’t know where I am right now. He’s put up a great fight, but what can you do, I’m happy for him. ‘
McGregor’s bitter clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov is No. 1 PPV with 2.4 million purchases
Irishman’s brutal rematch with Nate Diaz takes second place, generating 1.65 million PPVs
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